Storage device for electronic data storage media cases

ABSTRACT

A disc storage device includes a transparent top shell having opposing sides interconnecting a front, a back and a top panel of the top shell, along with a bottom shell having opposing sides interconnecting a front, a back, and a bottom panel of the bottom shell. A plurality of different colored disc cases are disposed within the top and bottom shells with colored differentiation of the cases being observable through the transparent top shell. Side panels orient the cases in a vertical manner within the bottom shell and the colored cases are arranged within the device for exhibiting bands of different color through the shell.

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a storage device for media units, and more particularly relates to a storage device and display system for providing convenience and storage of electronic data storage media such as, for example, optical recording discs and tapes.

[0002] Optical recording discs, such as compact discs, are typically sold within a jewel case with an insert that enables a user to view the contents of the jewel case from either a plan view of the case or along its spine.

[0003] While having seemingly small dimensions, the jewel cases do not provide compact storage of discs that is many times desired by the end user who has a large collection of discs. Therefore, a number of storage systems have been devised for more compact storage of the discs. This has resulted in a great number of CD cases which enable extremely dense storage of the discs. Unfortunately, such compact storage systems, because of the necessary limited dimensions, do not afford indicia of its contents to be placed on a spine, or end of the discs. Thus, the case contents can only be observed on the plan view of the case. Accordingly, during dense storage of multiple cases holding CDs, there is presently no system for identifying contents of the cases during storage.

[0004] In addition, CDs are sold in a bulk fashion without any cases but stacked on a spindle. After purchase there is a need for storage and display of the CDs.

[0005] Current storage devices do not provide a convenient means for both displaying of the cases either in a retail store, for enticing purchase by a user, or displaying the cases in a user's library for the means for enabling classification and sorting of the discs.

[0006] The present invention provides for a disc storage device which is suitable for packing and shipment of disc cases, providing an attractive display for same in retail store, and providing a user with a functional storage device and disc case assortment which facilities the user in grouping and/or sorting of discs according to a desired criteria, such as type of music, composer, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A disc storage device in accordance with the present invention preferably includes a transparent top shell having opposing sides interconnecting a front, back and a top panel of the top shell along with a bottom shell having opposing sides interconnecting a front, a back and a bottom panel of the bottom shelf.

[0008] A plurality of different colored cases may be disposed within the top and bottom shell with color differentiation of the cases being observable through the transparent top shell. This feature of the present invention provides for an attractive sales presentation in a retail store, and in addition, provides utility to the end user as will be hereinafter described in greater detail.

[0009] CD cases may be stored and side panels disposed in the sides of the bottom shell are provided for orientating the CD cases in a vertical manner within the bottom shell. This feature aligns the CD cases within the top and bottom shell and when same colored CD cases are grouped with one another, provide for bands of color to be displayed through the top shell.

[0010] More particularly, the bottom shell may also be transparent which enables the bands of color to be displayed therethrough. Preferably the top and bottom shells are integrally molded with a living hinge therebetween to provide a structure.

[0011] To further enhance the color presentation and provide for compact storage of CD cases within the device, the top shell includes a molded contour between the top shelf front and the top shelf panel and a molded contour between the shell top back and the top panel with the molded contours being sized to conform with the contour of the CD cases. In that regard, the CD cases preferably have rounded corners and the molded contours conform thereto.

[0012] To further facilitate storage of multiple CD cases and storage devices therefor, the top panel and bottom panel have correspondingly raised and recessed portions for enabling nested stacking of a plurality of devices.

[0013] To assure uncontaminated confinement of the cases within the shell, each of the top shell and the bottom shell includes a flange extending along the sides, fronts and back thereof for releasably securing the top shell and the bottom shell upon closure of the storage device. The flanges include conforming surfaces to provide a seal between the top shell and the bottom shell.

[0014] More particularly, each flange includes two parallel outwardly extending upper and lower surfaces connected by an orthogonal surface. The orthogonal surfaces are sized and positioned for providing resistive coupling therebetween upon closure of the storage device.

[0015] More specifically, each of the lower surfaces of the flange may include a cut-out for enabling finger contact to separate the flanges and open the storage device. Preferably, the entire structure of the top and bottom shell, hinge, panels and flanges are integrally molded.

[0016] The present invention further includes, separately from the CD cases, a storage device which includes a top shell having opposing sides interconnecting a front, a back and a top panel of the top shell along with a bottom shell having opposing sides interconnecting a front, back and bottom panel of the bottom shelf. A hinge is provides and interconnects the top and bottom shelf for enabling opening and closing the top and bottom shelves and the top and bottom shelves are sized for accommodating CD cases in the closed position with the CD cases being disposed between the top and bottom in an orientation generally perpendicular to the top and bottom, front and back.

[0017] Preferably, the hinge includes two inflection points to facilitate alignment of the top and bottom shells. The side panels are disposed in the sides of the bottom shelf for orientating the CD cases in a vertical manner within the bottom shell between the side panels. Further features of the storage device are hereinabove described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood by the following description when considered in conjunction with the occupying drawings, in which:

[0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disc storage device in accordance with the present invention generally showing transparent top and bottom shell in a closed position for containing a plurality of CD case therein in an orientation generally perpendicular to the front and back of the storage device, the CD cases being grouped in different color bands for both presenting and attractive retail display and for organizing the contents of the CD cases into desired categories;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1 but in an open position with the top and bottom shelves separated for the insertion of a compact disc case as illustrated;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 1 taken along the line 33;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4, 4 FIG. 1, also showing in greater detail raised end recessed portions in the shell top and shell bottom for enabling the nested stacking of storage devices in a stable manner;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention using a single flange cutout and flap for facilitating opening and closing of the device;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 taken along the line 6-6 and showing a hinge having two points of inflection; and

[0025]FIG. 7 is an enlarged view taken along the line 7 in FIG. 6 more clearly showing the hinge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a storage device 10 in accordance with the present invention which preferably includes a transparent top shell 12 having opposing sides 16, 18 interconnecting a front 20, a back 22, and a top panel 24.

[0027] A bottom shell 30 is also provided having opposing sides 32, 34 interconnecting a front 38, a back 40 and bottom 42 of the shell 30.

[0028] While preferably, the top and bottom shells 12, 30 are transparent, only the top shell 12 need be transparent in order to visualize through the top shell 12, a plurality of CD cases 46 grouped into a band 48 displaying consistent color.

[0029] This display, or exhibition, of bands 48, 54 of CD cases 46, 52 not only provides a visual attraction for sale of the device, but also enables the end user to classify and identify CDs of a selected group.

[0030] For example, blue may be utilized by the user for storing jazz CDs, while yellow may be utilized by the user for storing classical CDs and so forth. Thus, easy recognition of the contents of the CD cases 46, 52 is enabled through the combination of the transparency of the top shell 12.

[0031] Preferably, the bottom shell 30 is also transparent and while the top and bottom shells 12, 30 may be separate, it is preferable that they are molded integrally with a living hinge 58, as shown in FIG. 2, therebetween.

[0032] To insure alignment of the cases 46, 52 within the case 10 between the top and bottom shells 12, 30, side panels 62, 64, preferably molded into sides 32, 34 of the shell bottom 30, orient the CD cases in a vertical manner within the bottom shell 30 as illustrated in FIG. 2 by the orientation of the case 52, the case 52 being supported within the bottom 30 between the front 38 and back 40.

[0033] The device 10 when full of CD cases 46, 52 present the banded appearance as shown in FIG. 1 which is enabled by the vertical orientation of the disc 46, 48 by the side panels 62, 64.

[0034] A case 52 suitable for using in combination with the top and bottom shells 12, 13, may include rounded corners 68, 70 as shown in FIG. 2. The case 52 is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/793,066 filed Feb. 26, 2001, and is to be incorporated herewith in its entirety by the specific reference thereto for describing a suitable CD case for use with the device 10.

[0035] In order to provide a snug fit of the cases 46, 52 within the top and bottom shells 12, 32, and further enhance color differentiation therethrough, the top and bottom shells 12, 32 are molded to conform to the CD rounded edges 68, 72 as shown in FIG. 4. That is, the top shell 12 includes a molded contour 76 between the top panel 24 and front 20 and a molded contour 78 between the top panel 24 and the back 22.

[0036] Another feature pertaining to the dense storage of cases 46, 52 enabled by the present invention, is best illustrated in FIG. 4 which shows the top shell as having a raised portion 84 in the top panel 24 and the bottom shell having a recessed portion 86 disposed in the shell bottom 42. This enables stacking of the device 10 between identical devices 90, 92 in a nested manner. This nested arrangement enables secure stacking of a plurality of the devices 10, 90, 92 as shown in FIG. 4, the nesting preventing sliding of the devices 10. 90, 92 with respect to one another.

[0037] To insure stability and secure closure of the top and bottom shells 12, 30 each of the top shell 12 and bottom shell 12 include a sealing flange as best shown in FIGS. 2-4. The flange 96 extends along the sides 32, 34 and front 38 and back 40 of the shell bottom and the flange 98 extends along the side 16, 18, front 20 and back 22 of the top shell 12.

[0038] Upon closure of the device 10 as shown in FIG. 1, these flanges 96, 98 releasably secure the top shell 12 and the bottom shell to one another. The flanges 96, 98 have conforming surface 102, 104 to provide a seal between the top shell 12 and the bottom shell 30.

[0039] The bottom shell 96 includes two parallel outwardly extending upper and lower surfaces 108, 110 connected by an orthogonal surface 112.

[0040] Similarly, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the flange 98 includes two parallel outwardly extending upper and lower surfaces 116, 118 with an orthogonal surface 120 therebetween.

[0041] The orthogonal surfaces 112, 120 are sized and positioned for providing resistive coupling therebetween upon closure of the device 10.

[0042] To facilitate opening of the device 10 by separation of the top shell 12 from the bottom shell 30, the lower surface 110 may include cutouts 122, 124 and the upper surface 118 may include cutouts 126, 128 for enabling finger (not shown) contact to separate the flanges 96, 98 by twisting. To facilitate this action indentations 130, 132, 134, 136, in the surface 112 and indentation 138, 140, 142, 144 in the surface 114 provide finger clearance while applying twisting action.

[0043] With reference to FIGS. 5-7 another embodiment 160 of the present invention is shown with common reference characters indicating identical or substantially the same structure of embodiment 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4.

[0044] The storage device 160 includes a cutout 164 in the lower surface 110 and a flap 166 in the upper surface 118 for enabling finger (not shown) contact to separate the flanges 96, 98.

[0045] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the storage device 160 includes a living hinge 170 which includes two points of inflection 172, 174. This configuration facilitate the opening and closing of the top and bottom shells 12, 30 and enables a better fit between the surfaces 110, 112 and alignment of the top and bottom shells 12, 30.

[0046] The points of inflection 172, 174 are spaced apart from one another by a member 178. This enables displaced movement of the top shell 12 with respect to the bottom shell 30 as shown in FIG. 7. That is lateral movement of the top shell 12 with respect to the bottom shell is enabled which, in turn, insures proper seating of the top and bottom shells 12, 30 with each other even in areas adjacent the hinged 170.

[0047] Although there has been hereinabove described a storage device in accordance with the present invention for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention may be used to advantage, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto. Accordingly, any and all modifications, variations, or equivalent arrangements which may occur to those skilled in the art, should be considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A disc storage device comprising: a transparent top shell having opposing sides interconnecting a front, a back and a top panel of the top shell; a bottom shell having opposing sides interconnecting a front, a back and a bottom panel of the bottom shell; a plurality of different colored disc cases disposed within the top and bottom shelves, color differentiation of the cases being observable through said transparent top shell; and side panels disposed in the sides of the bottom shell for orienting the cases in a vertical manner within the bottom shell.
 2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the colored cases are arranged within the device for exhibiting bands of different colors through the top shell, each band comprising one or more cases of the same color.
 3. The device according to claim 1 wherein said bottom shell is transparent.
 4. The device according to claim 3 wherein the colored cases are arranged within the device for exhibiting bands of different colors through the top and bottom shell, each band comprising multiple cases of the same color.
 5. The device according to claim 4 wherein the top and bottom shell are integrally molded with a living hinge therebetween.
 6. The device according to claim 5 wherein said living hinge includes two points of inflection interconnected by a member for enabling lateral motion between the top and bottom shells to insure seating between the top and bottom shells.
 7. The device according to claim 6 wherein the top shell includes a molded contour between the shell top front and the top panel and a molded contour between the shell top back and the top panel, the molded contours being shaped to conform with a contour of the cases.
 8. The device according to claim 7 wherein the cases have rounded corners and the molded contours conform to the case rounded corners.
 9. The device according to claim 8 wherein the top panel and the bottom panel have corresponding raised and recessed portions for enabling nested stacking of a plurality of devices.
 10. The device according to claim 9 wherein said bottom panel includes the recessed portion and said top panel includes the raised portion.
 11. The device according to claim 10 wherein the side panels of the bottom shell are perpendicular to the bottom panel recessed portion.
 12. The device according to claim 11 wherein each of said top shell and said bottom shell include a flange extending along the sides, fronts and back thereof for releasably securing said top shell and said bottom shell to one another upon closure of said storage device, said flanges having conforming surfaces to provide a seal between said top shell and said bottom shell.
 13. The device according to claim 12 wherein each flange includes two parallel outwardly extending upper and lower surfaces connected by an orthogonal surface, the orthogonal surfaces being sized and positioned for providing resistive coupling therebetween upon closure of said storage device.
 14. The device according to claim 13 wherein one of the lower surfaces includes a cutout for enabling finger contact to separate the flanges and open the storage device.
 15. The device according to claim 14 wherein the top and bottom shells, hinge, panels and flanges are integrally molded.
 16. A storage device for disc cases, the device comprising: a top shell having opposing sides interconnecting a front, a back and a top panel of said top shell; a bottom shell having opposing sides interconnecting a front, a back and a bottom panel of said bottom shell; a hinge, interconnecting the top and bottom shells, for enabling opening and closing of the top and bottom shells, the top and bottom shells being sized for accommodation the cases in a closed position with the cases being disposed between the top and bottom shells in an orientation generally perpendicular to the top and bottom front and back; and side panels disposed in the sides of the bottom shell for orienting the cases in a vertical manner within the bottom shell between said side panels.
 17. The device according to claim 16 wherein the top and bottom sides, hinge and side panels are integrally molded.
 18. The device according to claim 17 wherein said hinge includes two points of inflection interconnected by a member for enabling lateral motion between the top and bottom shells to insure seating between the top and bottom shells.
 19. The device according to claim 16 wherein the top panel and the bottom panel have corresponding raised and recessed portions for enabling nested stacking of a plurality of devices.
 20. The device according to claim 19 wherein said bottom panel includes the recessed portion and said top panel includes the raised portion.
 21. The device according to claim 20 wherein the side panels of the bottom shell are perpendicular to the bottom panel recessed portion.
 22. The device according to claim 16 wherein said top shell includes a molded contour between the shell top front and the top panel and a molded contour between the shell top back and the top panel, the molded contours being shaped to conform with a contour of the cases.
 23. The device according to claim 22 wherein the molded contours are arcuate.
 24. The device according to claim 16, each of said top shell and said bottom shell include a flange extending along the sides, fronts and backs thereof for releasably securing said top shell and said bottom shell to one another upon closure of said storage device, said flanges having conforming surfaces to provide a seal between said top shell and said bottom shell.
 25. The device according to claim 24 wherein each flange includes two parallel outwardly extending upper and lower surfaces connected by an orthogonal surface, the orthogonal surfaces being sized and positioned for providing resistive coupling therebetween upon closure of said storage device.
 26. The device according to claim 24 wherein one of the lower surfaces includes a cutout for enabling finger contact to separate the flanges and open the storage device.
 27. The device according to claim 26 wherein the top and bottom shells, hinge, panels and flanges are integrally molded.
 28. The device according to claim 27 wherein the top panel and the bottom panel have corresponding raised and recessed portions for enabling nested stacking of a plurality of devices.
 29. The device according to claim 28 wherein said top shell includes a molded contour between the shell top front and top panel and a molded contour between the shell tip back and top panel, the molded contours being shaped to conform with a contour of the cases.
 30. The device according to claim 29 wherein the molded contours are arcuate.
 31. The device according to claim 16 further comprising colored cases and wherein said top shell is transparent for enabling views of the colored cases stored in the device.
 32. The device according to claim 31 wherein said bottom shell is transparent for enabling viewing of the colored cases stored in the device.
 33. A storage device for disc cases, the device comprising: a top shell having opposing sides interconnecting a front, a back and a top panel of said top shell; a bottom shell having opposing sides interconnecting a front, a back and a bottom panel of said bottom shell; a hinge, interconnecting the top and bottom shells, for enabling opening and closing of the top and bottom shells, the top and bottom shells being sized for accommodating the cases in a closed position with the cases being disposed between the top and bottom shells in an orientation generally perpendicular to the top and bottom front and back; and raised and recessed portions correspondingly disposed in the top and bottom panels for enabling nested stacking of a plurality of devices.
 34. The device according to claim 33 wherein said bottom panel includes the recessed portion and said top panel includes the raised portion.
 35. The device according to claim 34 wherein said hinge includes two points of inflection interconnected by a member for enabling lateral motion between the top and bottom shells to insure seating between the top and bottom shells.
 36. The device according to claim 33 wherein each of said top shell and said bottom shell include a flange extending along the sides, fronts and backs thereof for releasably securing said to shell and said bottom shell to one another upon closure of said storage device, said flanges having conforming surfaces to provide a seal between said top shell and said bottom shell.
 37. The device according to claim 36 wherein each flange includes two parallel outwardly extending upper and lower surfaces connected by an orthogonal surface, the orthogonal surfaces being sized and positioned for providing resistive coupling therebetween upon closure of said storage device.
 38. The device according to claim 37 wherein each of the lower surfaces includes a cutout for enabling finger contact to separate the flanges and open the storage device.
 39. The device according to claim 37 further comprising side panels disposed in the sides of the bottom shell for orientating the cases in a vertical orientation within the bottom shell.
 40. The device according to claim 39 wherein the side panels are perpendicular to the bottom panel recessed portion.
 41. The device according to claim 40 wherein said top shell includes a molded contour between the shell top front and top panel and a molded contour between the shell top back and top panel, the molded contour being shaped to conform with a contour of the case.
 42. The device according to claim 32 wherein the molded contours are arcuate.
 43. The device according to claim 42 further comprising colored cases and wherein said top shell in transparent for enabling viewing of colored cases stored in the device.
 44. The device according to claim 43 wherein said bottom shell in transparent for enabling viewing of the colored cases stored in the device. 